Recreate Tim Hortons Double Double Coffee

Quick answer

• To replicate a Tim Hortons “Double Double,” you’ll need a standard drip coffee maker, medium-grind coffee, and two servings each of sugar and cream.
• Aim for a coffee strength that is robust but not bitter, typically achieved with a 1:15 to 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio.
• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste, heated to the optimal brewing temperature of 195-205°F.
• Ensure your coffee grounds are fresh and ground just before brewing for maximum flavor.
• Add your sugar and cream after the coffee has brewed and cooled slightly, stirring until dissolved.
• Experiment with different coffee beans and roast levels to find a profile that matches your preference.

Who this is for

• Coffee drinkers who enjoy the specific taste profile of Tim Hortons’ popular “Double Double” and want to recreate it at home.
• Home brewers looking for a straightforward method to achieve a consistently sweet and creamy coffee without complex equipment.
• Individuals who prefer a familiar, comforting coffee experience and want to replicate it on their own schedule.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Your primary tool will likely be a standard automatic drip coffee maker. The type of filter used can subtly affect the final taste. Paper filters are common and trap more oils, leading to a cleaner cup. Reusable metal or cloth filters allow more of the coffee’s natural oils to pass through, potentially resulting in a richer mouthfeel. Ensure your brewer is clean and functioning correctly.

Water quality and temperature

The water you use is a significant component of your coffee. Tap water can contain minerals or chlorine that impart off-flavors. Using filtered water, such as from a Brita pitcher or a more advanced system, is highly recommended for a neutral base. For optimal extraction, the brewing water should reach a temperature between 195°F and 205°F. Most automatic drip brewers aim for this range, but older or less sophisticated models might not.

Grind size and coffee freshness

The grind size is crucial for proper extraction. For a typical drip coffee maker, a medium grind is generally recommended. It should resemble granulated sugar. If the grind is too fine, it can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. Too coarse, and the coffee might taste weak and sour. Freshness is paramount; coffee beans begin to lose their volatile aromatic compounds shortly after grinding. Ideally, grind your beans just before brewing.

Coffee-to-water ratio

The ratio of coffee grounds to water determines the strength of your brew. For a “Double Double” at home, you’re aiming for a balanced strength that complements the added sugar and cream. A common starting point for drip coffee is a ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 (grams of coffee to grams of water). This translates to roughly 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust this based on your preference for a stronger or milder cup.

Cleanliness/descale status

Coffee makers can accumulate mineral deposits (scale) from water and coffee oils over time. These residues can impact brewing temperature, flow rate, and, most importantly, the taste of your coffee, often introducing bitter or stale notes. Regularly cleaning your brewer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including descaling, is essential for consistent, delicious coffee.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Prepare your coffee maker: Ensure the water reservoir is clean and filled with fresh, filtered water to the desired brew level.

• What “good” looks like: A clean reservoir with the correct amount of water clearly visible.
• Common mistake: Using old water or not filling to the correct line. Avoid this by emptying and rinsing the reservoir before each brew and paying attention to the markings.

2. Select your coffee beans: Choose a medium roast coffee. Many find a blend with some nutty or chocolatey notes works well for this style.

• What “good” looks like: Beans that are not oily (indicating they are older) and have a pleasant aroma.
• Common mistake: Using stale, pre-ground coffee or a very dark, oily roast that can become bitter when sweetened. Avoid this by buying whole beans and checking for a recent roast date if possible.

3. Grind your coffee: Grind the whole beans to a medium consistency, similar to coarse sand or granulated sugar. Grind only what you need for the current brew.

• What “good” looks like: Uniformly sized particles that feel slightly gritty.
• Common mistake: Grinding too fine (like powder) or too coarse (like pebbles). Avoid this by using a burr grinder for consistency and experimenting with settings.

4. Insert the filter: Place a paper filter into the brew basket, or ensure your reusable filter is clean and properly seated. If using a paper filter, you can rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat the brew basket.

• What “good” looks like: A filter that fits snugly without gaps, preventing grounds from entering the carafe.
• Common mistake: Using a torn filter or not seating it correctly, leading to grounds in your coffee. Avoid this by checking the filter’s integrity and ensuring it’s flush with the basket edges.

5. Add coffee grounds: Measure the appropriate amount of ground coffee into the filter. For a standard 8-cup pot (approx. 40 oz), start with about 50-60 grams of coffee (roughly 6-8 tablespoons).

• What “good” looks like: A level bed of coffee grounds in the filter.
• Common mistake: Overfilling or underfilling the basket, which can lead to weak coffee or overflow. Avoid this by using a scale for accuracy or consistently measuring with spoons.

6. Start the brew cycle: Turn on your coffee maker. The machine will heat the water and drip it over the coffee grounds.

• What “good” looks like: A steady stream of coffee filling the carafe.
• Common mistake: Not starting the brew cycle or having a malfunctioning machine that doesn’t heat water properly. Avoid this by ensuring the machine is plugged in, turned on, and that water is flowing.

7. Allow brewing to complete: Let the coffee maker finish its cycle. Avoid removing the carafe prematurely, as this can interrupt the brewing process and lead to a weaker brew.

• What “good” looks like: The coffee maker has stopped dripping, and the carafe is full.
• Common mistake: Pulling the carafe out mid-brew to get a quick cup, which can disrupt extraction. Avoid this by waiting for the full cycle to finish.

8. Prepare sweeteners and cream: While coffee brews, measure out two servings of granulated sugar and two servings of liquid creamer (or milk).

• What “good” looks like: Your desired amounts ready and easily accessible.
• Common mistake: Not having ingredients ready, leading to cold coffee by the time you add them. Avoid this by preparing them in advance.

9. Pour coffee into mug: Once brewing is complete, pour your desired amount of coffee into your mug.

• What “good” looks like: A full mug of hot coffee.
• Common mistake: Pouring too much, leaving no room for additions. Avoid this by filling your mug to about 3/4 full initially.

10. Add sugar and cream: Add the measured sugar and cream to the hot coffee. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the cream is evenly incorporated.

• What “good” looks like: A uniformly colored beverage with no visible sugar granules at the bottom.
• Common mistake: Not stirring enough, leaving undissolved sugar. Avoid this by stirring vigorously for at least 30 seconds.

11. Taste and adjust: Take a sip and assess the flavor. If it’s not quite right, you can add a little more sugar or cream, or make notes for your next brew.

• What “good” looks like: A taste that is balanced, sweet, and creamy, reminiscent of your target.
• Common mistake: Not tasting and adjusting, leading to a less-than-ideal cup. Avoid this by tasting critically and making small adjustments.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using stale, pre-ground coffee	Weak, flavorless, or bitter coffee; lack of aroma.	Buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing. Store beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Incorrect grind size (too fine)	Bitter, over-extracted coffee; clogged filter leading to overflow.	Use a medium grind for drip coffee. Adjust your grinder settings to a coarser consistency.
Incorrect grind size (too coarse)	Weak, sour, under-extracted coffee; watery taste.	Use a medium grind for drip coffee. Adjust your grinder settings to a finer consistency.
Using unfiltered or poor-quality water	Off-flavors, metallic or chemical notes in the coffee.	Use filtered water (pitcher, faucet filter, or whole-house system) for a cleaner, neutral taste.
Brewing with water that’s too cool	Under-extraction, leading to a weak, sour, or dull-tasting coffee.	Ensure your coffee maker heats water to the optimal range of 195-205°F. Check your brewer’s manual if unsure.
Not cleaning the coffee maker	Stale oils and mineral buildup impart bitter, rancid, or muddy flavors.	Clean your coffee maker regularly and descale it as recommended by the manufacturer (typically every 1-3 months).
Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio	Too much coffee: bitter, strong. Too little coffee: weak, watery.	Start with a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio (coffee to water by weight) and adjust to your preference. Approximately 1-2 tbsp per 6 oz water.
Adding sugar and cream to scalding coffee	Can sometimes affect flavor; may not dissolve sugar properly if too hot.	Let coffee cool slightly before adding sugar and cream, or add them to your mug first before pouring coffee.
Not stirring sugar completely	Gritty texture at the bottom of the mug; uneven sweetness.	Stir thoroughly for at least 30 seconds until no sugar granules are visible at the bottom of your mug.
Using old or rancid cream/milk	Sour, unpleasant taste that ruins the coffee.	Always check the expiration date and smell of your cream or milk before adding it to coffee.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then try using a coarser grind because a finer grind can over-extract.
• If your coffee tastes sour or weak, then try using a finer grind because a coarser grind can under-extract.
• If your coffee tastes “off” or chemical, then use filtered water because tap water can contain impurities.
• If your coffee maker isn’t brewing hot enough, then check your machine’s heating element and consider descaling because mineral buildup can affect temperature.
• If your coffee is consistently too weak, then increase the amount of coffee grounds you use or decrease the amount of water because a higher coffee-to-water ratio leads to a stronger brew.
• If your coffee is consistently too strong, then decrease the amount of coffee grounds you use or increase the amount of water because a lower coffee-to-water ratio leads to a weaker brew.
• If you notice a film on top of your coffee, then it’s likely due to oils; consider using a paper filter if you use a metal filter, or ensure your coffee is fresh because old coffee can produce more oils.
• If your coffee tastes stale, then ensure you are using freshly roasted and freshly ground beans because coffee flavor degrades quickly after grinding.
• If your coffee has a muddy or stale flavor, then clean your coffee maker thoroughly, including descaling, because residue buildup is a common culprit.
• If you want a cleaner cup with less body, then use a paper filter because they trap more coffee oils than metal or cloth filters.
• If you prefer a richer mouthfeel, then consider using a metal or cloth filter because they allow more coffee oils to pass through.
• If the sweetness isn’t right, then adjust the amount of sugar you add because “Double Double” is a guideline, and personal preference is key.

FAQ

What does “Double Double” actually mean?

“Double Double” is a popular term originating from Tim Hortons coffee shops in Canada. It refers to a standard cup of coffee with two servings of sugar and two servings of cream added.

Can I use any type of coffee bean?

While you can use any coffee bean, a medium roast is generally recommended for a balanced flavor that complements the sweetness and cream. Dark roasts can sometimes become too bitter when sweetened, and light roasts might be too acidic for this style.

How much sugar and cream is “two servings”?

This can vary, but a common interpretation is about 1-2 teaspoons of sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of liquid creamer or milk per serving. You should adjust this based on your personal taste preferences.

My home coffee tastes different from Tim Hortons. Why?

Tim Hortons uses specific proprietary coffee blends and brewing equipment. Replicating the exact taste is challenging due to these factors. However, by focusing on fresh beans, proper brewing techniques, and the “double double” ratio, you can get very close.

Should I add sugar and cream while the coffee is brewing?

It’s best to add sugar and cream after the coffee has finished brewing and has cooled slightly. Adding them too early can affect the brewing process or make it harder to dissolve the sugar evenly.

How do I make it stronger if I prefer a bolder coffee?

To make your coffee stronger before adding sugar and cream, you can increase the amount of coffee grounds used per amount of water (e.g., use a 1:14 ratio) or use a slightly finer grind. Ensure your coffee is fresh and brewed at the correct temperature.

Is there a difference between using liquid creamer and milk?

Yes, liquid non-dairy creamers, half-and-half, and milk will all impart slightly different flavors and textures. Liquid coffee creamers are often the closest to what is used in coffee shops. Experiment to see which you prefer.

What if I don’t like dairy creamer?

You can substitute non-dairy creamers like soy, almond, oat, or coconut-based creamers. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired creaminess and flavor profile.

How do I avoid a gritty texture at the bottom of my mug?

Ensure you stir your coffee thoroughly after adding sugar. Granulated sugar can take a moment to dissolve completely in hot liquid. Stirring for at least 30 seconds should help prevent any undissolved sugar from settling.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific Tim Hortons coffee bean blends or their exact roast profiles. (Next: Research popular medium-roast blends from various coffee brands.)
• The precise type of liquid creamer or milk used by Tim Hortons. (Next: Experiment with different dairy and non-dairy creamers to find your preferred taste.)
• Advanced brewing techniques like pour-over or espresso. (Next: Explore guides on single-origin coffee tasting and manual brewing methods.)
• The environmental impact of different coffee filter types. (Next: Research reusable coffee filter options and their pros and cons.)